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Why to use LinkedIn while employed

Many people make the mistake of thinking that LinkedInis only for people looking for a job. It actually is a terrific
resource for employed people. Here are reasons why:

1)Having
a strong LinkedIn profile and a sizable network on the site can make you appear
as a more successful and qualified employee to your current supervisors and
coworkers. It also shows your colleagues that you get “social media” and new
technologies.

2)By
listing your company as your current employer in your LinkedIn profile and by
interacting professionally with others through the site, you personify your
company’s brand in a positive way. Such a strong online presence will also
impress potential customers and business partners with whom you connect on
LinkedIn.

3)By
joining LinkedIn groups, you can learn a tremendous amount of valuable information
related to your position, field or industry through articles posted on group
discussion boards.

For example, I joined several LinkedIn groups involving social media to learn
how to use Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites. I joined LinkedIn
fundraising groups to learn how to generate more donations for a nonprofit
organization.

LinkedIn features more than 1.4 million
different topical groups so there are sure to be groups that can help you
strengthen your professional abilities and increase your business knowledge. You
can also join groups associated with your company, college, volunteer
organizations, local clubs, and national associations, which can help you appear
more active and engaged in your company and community.

Plus, by being in groups with thought leaders in your industry or field, you
can learn who the leaders are, become familiar with their viewpoints, correspond
with them via the group discussion boards, and invite them to connect to strengthen
the relationship.

4)You
can get answers to your vexing job related questions via the LinkedIn Answers
section (found under the LinkedIn More tab). For example, you can ask a
business tax-related question and see responses from several reputable tax
professionals.

5)If
you are in sales, marketing or fundraising, LinkedIn can be a huge source of
leads. It’s nearly three times more effective in generating sales leads than
Twitter and Facebook, according to Rebecca Corliss of Hub Spot, an all-in-one software
marketing company.

6)LinkedIn
is a phenomenal place to find top talent for your department or company. Its
robust job section not only allows companies to post jobs where its 175 million
subscribers can view the posts, it also allows applicants to see who they know
at your company so that they can network their way into the position. Plus, you
can check out candidates by visiting their profile before interviewing them. For
these reasons and more, 85% of Fortune 100 companies use the site’s corporate
hiring solutions.

So if you are employed, don’t shy away from LinkedIn! It’s
not just for unemployed people; it’s also for people who want to portray
themselves and their company in the best light. -- Kathy

Why else should employed people use LinkedIn? Share your thoughts via the Comments box (click the headline if you can't see it) or on the LinkedIn group discussion board that might have brought you here.

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